I’m one of those people who will eat ice cream on any day of the year. Whether it’s 30 degrees or 90, I’m always up for an icy treat. I won’t argue with the fact that cool and creamy desserts were made for the heat of mid-summer. After all, who wants to add heat from the oven to the battle their AC is already fighting? Here are some easy-to-make refrigerated — or frozen — desserts to cool down with this summer.

1. Grasshopper pie

Don’t let the name fool you: There are no insects harmed in the making of this pie. Like I said, I love ice cream, and in my opinion, one of the best ways to serve ice cream is with Oreos and Cool Whip. To make this minty dessert, spread crushed Oreos in the bottom of a 9×9 pan, then layer a tub of softened mint chocolate chip ice cream on top. Freeze this for a couple of hours or until the ice cream has set, and then spread a generous layer of Cool Whip on top and add a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Freeze again, and voila: a cool, refreshing dessert ready to serve. Here’s another version without Cool Whip to try as well.

2. Banana pudding

Layers of vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, vanilla wafer cookies and banana slices — what’s not to love? My mom would both serve this out of a bowl as a weeknight treat and dress it up for dinner guests. A fancy glass serving or punch bowl makes for a classy presentation, or you can give it a fun touch by layering it in individual glasses. Try putting the cookies in a fun pattern around the sides or adding a banana slice and crushed cookie garnish on top. Here are some more ideas for creative ways to mix up your banana pudding.

3. Chocolate-covered strawberries

This dessert may be simple, but it’s a classic for a reason. The juicy berries and smooth chocolate are the perfect combination for a summer evening. To make sure they reach their true potential, make sure your strawberries are ripe and juicy but not going bad. Here is a guide to chocolate-covered strawberries from prep to storage. Serving strawberries at an event or party? You can bring them up a notch by dipping the berries in dark or milk chocolate and adding a drizzle of white chocolate or caramel. You can also roll them in chocolate chips, nuts or sprinkles to add some pizzazz. Here are some more decorating ideas to try.

Do you want more ideas and some hands-on practice making desserts like these? Join us for our Cheesecake and Refrigerated Desserts class! You’ll learn recipes and tips you can take home to wow your friends. To register, click the button below and type the class name into the search bar, or call 405.377.3333. To find out about more courses like this sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. View all of our upcoming courses in our digital catalog.

Abby McCain is the Communications and Marketing Secretary at Meridian Technology Center.